Chapter Twenty: This Child Is Born to Be a Shill (Happy New Year)

[Equipment Repair Device]

It appears to be a mundane, unremarkable item, yet its actual value might even exceed that of a +10 Equipment Reinforcement Ticket!

In the Arad Continent, repairing equipment isn't as simple as finding just any blacksmith or disassembler and tossing a few gold coins their way. In fact, according to Linnus, repairing gear is an incredibly difficult task. If the repair materials do not match the original components, even the finest blacksmith will be helpless, as it would inevitably compromise the equipment's properties. Certain weapons, such as swords or daggers crafted from bone, offer almost no chance of restoration once they have worn down. For instance, Seria’s "Hidden Dragon Greatsword" contains powdered dragon scales and blood in its composition; should it be damaged, finding the exact same materials for repair is mandatory.

"Are you lying to me? Where is this 'contract' you speak of? And what is this 'Tyrant's Contract'? You’re just making things up, aren't you?"

Syat reached into the final box, pulled out a silvery-white stone roughly the size of a common strawberry, weighed it in her hand, and promptly tossed it at Yelin. What kind of trash was this? Putting a little pebble in a box and having the audacity to sell it for five hundred gold?

Tana was faster than Yelin. She intercepted the stone, rubbed it between her fingers for a moment, and tossed it to Seria. "There is an extraordinary power within this thing. Take a look—what is it?"

"This is..." Seria caught it, examined it, and looked slightly startled. "An Elf’s Tear. The tear of the light elemental spirit, Waros. This is a Magic Stone!"

"A Magic Stone? Just this?" Syat was clearly stunned. Was this the incredibly precious Magic Stone?

Magic Stones are gifts from nature, though a small portion are artificially refined. As special equipment that provides effects simply by being worn, they are exceedingly rare. Even the most common artificially crafted [Buff Stone] could sell for over a thousand gold coins!

"This is a rare-grade Magic Stone that amplifies light-attribute attacks. It’s a perfect fit for your class, Syat," Seria explained.

"Let me handle it." Yelin snatched the stone from Seria’s hand and grabbed a metal spoon from the table.

*Fifth Element, activate!*

Under the effect of the skill, the metal spoon instantly melted in mid-air. The molten liquid encapsulated the Tear of Waros, transforming it into a sparkling ornament that he then fastened onto Syat’s belt. In the process, he took the liberty of brushing his hand against her muscles—and he did it quite brazenly!

"Shameless!"

[Tear of Waros]: (Rare) (Magic Stone)
Strength +41
Intelligence +41
Vitality +41
Spirit +41
Light Attribute Enhancement +11
Note: A tear shed by the light spirit Waros, containing a dense aura of light-attribute energy.

"This Magic Stone... it could sell for ten thousand gold, right?"

Syat felt a bit awkward and embarrassed. She hadn't expected it to be a precious Magic Stone, let alone a natural Elf’s Tear, which was rare beyond measure.

"It doesn't matter. As long as it's for you, it’s not for sale at any price."

Realizing this was a rare opportunity, Yelin instantly shifted his expression. A gentle smile touched his lips, and his eyes brimmed with doting affection, looking at her with deep, sincere feeling.

"Don't do that. I'm used to you being a shameless, unprincipled rogue, but this sudden shift is giving me the chills..." Syat crossed her arms and pouted, pretending to shiver. His sense of integrity? Wasn't that as rare as epic-grade equipment?

"Huh? Shouldn't your impression of me be that of an innocent, pure, and humble gentleman?"

"You? A gentleman? Forget it. I’d rather believe a goblin could play the piano and sing."

Seria and Tana exchanged a glance and shrugged helplessly. These two would bicker at the drop of a hat; any hope of settling into a quiet, romantic atmosphere was impossible.

After their verbal sparring, Yelin casually pulled out another box and opened it himself.

Obtained: Remy’s Assistance x5, Tyrant’s Contract (1 Day), Clear Cube Fragment x50.

"Ugh..." Yelin rolled his eyes at the contract. Standard operation, standard yield—don't panic!

"Here, this is the Tyrant’s Contract. It lasts for a day. We’ll use it once we find the Dark Thunderland Ruins."

As he handed over the contract, the three women turned their gazes toward the delighted Syat, each with their own thoughts. To Tana, Syat was not only a formidable Sword Master, but if she could fully master the power of metastasis within her, she would surely become a powerhouse capable of surpassing the Sword Saint Aganzo. Such a talent was worth keeping!

Yelin felt as though Syat were his own goddess of luck. Ever since he picked her up, Lightning Kera had knelt, the Poison Cat King had died, and he had even managed to bring back Keraha. Now, they were on the verge of finding Pinosiah and then the Dark Thunderland Ruins, finally resolving the riots in the Forest of Grand Flores.

Seria remained the most innocent of the group, harborng no ulterior motives. They had tried opening a few of these boxes before, but they had only ever contained trivial items.

In her eyes, Syat—the "lucky one"—was clearly excellent material for a "shill" who could be used to swindle money. As for the "Secret of Seria’s Luck," she had already mapped out dozens of ways to make money in her mind. If she could ever solve the mystery of her own hazy memories regarding the Forest of Grand Flores, she decided she would head to Hendon Myre and become a wealthy tycoon just like Kiri (a black-market merchant)!

"Keraha has woken up."

Tana felt the seal chains she had placed suddenly move; it must be Keraha, who had awakened and was attempting to break free. The four of them stood up at once. Whether Keraha could regain her sanity was directly tied to the location of the Dark Thunderland Ruins and the plan Yelin had decided to attempt.

"Keraha, are you conscious?"

Seria walked over and took her hand. A faint, healing energy flowed into Keraha’s body, soothing her manic emotions.

"There is an aura about you that makes me feel very close to you. Are you an elf?"

Keraha stared blankly at Seria, lost in thought. In a trance, she returned to the past, as if she could once again see those elves of the Forest of Grand Flores who loved peace and nature.

"I am not an elf. The only elf left now is Seria, the owner of the Moonlight Tavern in Hendon Myre." Seria’s gaze dimmed. If possible, she, too, wished to meet those peaceful, kind-hearted elves. They shared the same ideals; surely, they would have gotten along very well.

"Only one..."

Keraha lowered her head. She understood everything, really. Although she had lived in a daze for these past few years, having been in the Forest of Grand Flores for so long, some fragments of memory remained. The once-abundant and beautiful Forest of Grand Flores had turned into a paradise for goblins and cat demons.

"Only one? That’s not necessarily true..."

Syat suddenly spoke up, tapping her forehead with her finger and frowning as if recalling something. "Before I went to Billmark, I met an elf. She was quite powerful, and she carried an indescribable aura of nature. I spoke with her briefly; she seemed to be looking for someone. I’ve forgotten her name, but I am certain she was an elf."

Seria and Keraha were both startled and amazed. There was actually an elf in the Arad Continent besides Seria? Only Tana’s expression remained unchanged, showing no reaction.

"Was her 'justice' very magnificent?" Yelin suddenly asked.

"Yes, that's right. I lost to her quite thoroughly. Wait... you rogue! You beast! How shameless!"

Seria and Keraha’s expressions flickered slightly. Syat was already formidable, yet she had lost quite thoroughly?

"Well, that’s wonderful. The elves are not alone, wouldn't you agree, Tana, Guardian of the Blue?"

He glanced at Tana, who was sipping fruit juice on the side, implying something...

Tana: _(:з」∠)_ *Playing dead, playing dead...*